Now Commenting On:

Hill could join bullpen this weekend in Chicago

Hill could join bullpen this weekend in Chicago

CHICAGO -- It's "conceivable" that left-hander Rich Hill could join the Red Sox in Chicago this weekend, manager Bobby Valentine said before Thursday's series opener against the White Sox.

Valentine said Thursday he'd wait to hear how Hill, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was feeling after pitching on consecutive days in his Minor League rehab stint with Triple-A Pawtucket.

"He's pitched very well," Valentine said. "Today's kind of an evaluation, make-sure-he-feels-good day. Maybe we'll have to plan for him."

Could the 32-year-old Hill join the club during its four-game series with the White Sox?

"Oh, I don't know," said Valentine." It's conceivable. It seems like he's pitched well enough."

Valentine wouldn't speculate on where Hill would fit into the bullpen if the lefty was promoted, mainly because he hasn't seen Hill pitch in a game situation. When the time comes, Hill would be put in various situations to see where he fits best, said Valentine.

One thing Valentine is sure of, however, is that he liked what he saw from Hill before the lefty began his rehab stint.

"When I saw him in Boston throwing from the outfield, I was amazed at what I saw," Valentine said. "I got to see right up until real game activity. Always looked good."